Novel 11beta-alkoxy steroids

ABSTRACT

11B-ALKOXY-$4-GONENES OF THE FORMULA   6-Y,7-Y&#39;&#39;,11-(X-O-),13-R,17-(R2-O-),17-R1-GON-4-EN-3-ONE   WHEREIN R AND X ARE ALKYL OF 1 TO 4 CARBON ATOMS, R1 IS A SATURATED OR UNSATURATED HYDROCARBON OF 1 TO 6 CARBON ATOMS, R2 IS SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF HYDROGEN AND ACYL OF AN ORGANIC CARBOXYLIC ACID OF 1 TO 18 CARBON ATOMS AND Y AND Y&#39;&#39; ARE SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF HYDROGEN AND METHYL AND THE ENOLIC ESTERS THEREOF WITH AN ORGANIC CARBOXYLIC ACID OF 1 TO 18 CARBON ATOMS WHICH POSESS ANTI-ANDROGENIC AND ANTIESTROGENIC ACTIVITY, THEIR PREPARATION AND NOVEL INTERMEDIATES.

U.S. Cl. 260-239-55 C 11 Claims United States Patent Oflice 3,81%?

Patented May 14, 1974 These and other objects and advantages of the inven- 3,810,887 tion will become obvious from the following detailed NOVEL llfl-ALKOXY STEROIDS description. Robert Bncourt, Paris, Andr Pierdet, Noisy-le-Sec., and THE INVENTION Jean Salmon, Paris, France, assignors to Roussel- UCLAF, Paris, France 5 The novel llp-alkoxy-A -gonenes of the invention have No Drawing. Filed Nov. 23, 1971, Ser. No. 201,564 h f l Claims priority, applic7zgiarislgrance, Nov. 24, 1970,

Int. Cl. C07c 169/08, 173/00 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE llfi-alkoxy-n -gonenes of the formula wherein R and X are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R; is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon of l to 6 carbon atoms, R is selected from the group consisting of l hydrogen and acyl of an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to C 18 carbon atoms and Y and Y are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and. methyl and the enolic Y I esters thereof with an organic carboxylic acid of l to 18 carbon atoms. wherein R and X are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms R1 Preferably, the substituent R is an alkyl such as methyl, is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon of 1 to 6 carethyl npropyl lsopropyl or X 15 Preferably an bon atoms, R is selected from the group consisting of alkxlsuch as methyl ethyl P P? hydrogen and acyl of an organic carboxylic acid of 1 R 1s preferably alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as to 18 carbon atoms and Y and Y are selected from the thyl, ethyl, or propyl; cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbon group consisting of hydrogen and methyl and the enolic atoms Such as P PY cyclopemyl y y esters thereof with an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 18 alkenyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms Such as Vmyl, 51

carbon atoms which possess anti-androgenic and antimethylally or 2'butmlyl; alkynyl haloalkynyl of 2 t0 4 estrogenic activity, their preparation and novel intermedicarbon atoms 51,1011 as ethynyl 'P PY }Y -P PY YL ates Z-butynyl, butadiynyl, chloroethynyl or trifiuoropropynyl;

and phenyl.

STATE OF THE ART When R represents the acyl residue of an organic carboxylic acid it is preferably the residue of a saturated or llfi-alkoxy-gonanes having 2 01 3 double bonds in the 40 unsaturated aliphatic OI cycloaliphatic acid and more I nucleus are known For example French Pat, No, particularly the residue of an alkanoic acid such as 366- 1,519,520 discloses l1-alkoxy-A -gonadiene-3-ones havtic, p p butyric, isobutyric or undecylic a d; he ing a hypophysial inhibiting activity and a hypocholesresidue of a cycloalkylcarboxylic or (cycloalkyl) alkanoic terolemia activity superior to that of the corresponding acid such as cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexylcarll-hydroxy-derivatives because of their important estroboxylic acid, Cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, acetic or pro genic activity, pionic acid; the residue of benzoic acid or a phenyl-alka- Fr nch BSM Pat No, 5,519M disclose th 11-menoic acid such as phenylacetic or phenylpropionic acid; thoxy-A -estratrienes oxygenated in the 3- and 17- the residue of an aminoacid such as diethylaminoacetic or positions have a considerable estrogenic activity while aspartic acid; or the residue of formic acid.

the corresponding ll-hydroxy compounds have a very Examples of specific preferred compounds are 113- weak estrogenic activity. The teaching of the prior art methoxy-17a-ethynyl-n -estrene-17p-ol-3-one, 11,B-ethoxywould therefore lead to the conclusion that introduction l7a-ethynyl A estrene-17fi-0l-3-one, llfi-methoxy-llipof an alkoxy group in the ll-position leads to increased e hyl-17 y y -g -17B- 1 13 methoxyestrogenic activity. Also, ll-hydroxy derivatives of 17m- 17a-ethynyl-17 3-butyryloxy A estrene-3-one, llfl-memethyl and 17u-ethyl-l9-nortestosterone are known to thoxy-13fl-ethyl-17a-vinyl A gonene-17p-ol-3-one and have anabolic and androgenic activity [Magerlein et al., 3,175- dibutyryloxy-llfl-methoxy-17ot-ethynyl-A -estra- J.A.C.S., vol. (1958) p. 2222]. diene.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The novel process of the invention for the preparation of the 11B-alkoxy-steroids comprises reducing by the It is an object of the invention to provide the novel 0 Birch reaction a l.a-suon of the compounds of Formula I and their enolic esters. fo l It is another object of the invention to provide a novel process for the preparation of the compounds of Formula I.

It is a further object of the invention to provide novel 5 X0 011 intermediates for the preparation of the compounds of Formula I.

It is a further object of the invention to provide novel anti-hormonal compositions.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide 7 x a novel method of blocking hormonal activities in warm- 1 blooded animals. Y H

wherein X, R, Y and Y' have the above definitions and Y" is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms to form a M gonadiene of the formula III reacting the latter with a ketalization agent to form a A -gonene of the formula wherein K is a ketal group, reacting the latter with an oxidization agent to form a A -gonene-17-one of the formula reacting the latter with an organometallic reactant wherein the organo is R as defined above to form a 17a-R A -g0nene-17;3-ol of the formula R OH and subjecting the latter to acid hydrolysis to obtain the corresponding compound of Formula I wherein R is hydrogen. The latter compound may be acylated with an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or a functional derivative thereof.

In a modification of the process, the ketalization of the A -gonadiene of Formula III may be elfected in two steps by acid hydrolysis of the compound of Formula III to form a A -gonene of the formula III 7 which is then reacted with a ketalization agent. This method results in a mixture of 3-ketal-A and 3-ketal- A derivatives which may be used for the next step or from which the predominant 3-ketal-A isomer can be isolated.

4 The compounds of Formula I can also be prepared by subjecting a A -gonatriene of Formula II to the Birch reduction to obtain the corresponding A gonadiene of Formula III, reacting the latter with an oxidizing agent to obtain a A -gonadiene-17-one of the formula Y VII reacting the latter with an organome'tallic reagent wherein the organo is R as defined above to form the corresponding A -gonadiene-175-01 of the formula VIII and subjecting the latter to acid hydrolysis to form the corresponding compound of Formula I wherein R is hydrogen. The latter may be esterified as before.

To prepare compounds of Formula I wherein R is a saturated hydrocarbon of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, the starting 1lfl-alkoxy-A -gonatriene may be substituted in the Nor-position with R before the Birch reduction as it is not concerned by this step and the resulting A gonadiene of the formula.

derivative where M is the alkali metal which avoids hydrogenolysis of the 17-hydroxyl. This permits the preparation of a 1lfl-alkoxy-13p-alkyl-17u-vinyl-A -g0nene of the formula with an alkali metal amide to form a compound of the formula where M is an alkali metal and subjecting the latter to the Birch reduction followed by acid hydrolysis.

The Birch reduction is preferably effected with the aid of an alkali metal such as lithium, potassium or sodium in liquid ammonia in the presence of an alcohol. The reaction may be effected in the presence of an additional solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane or ethyl ether. The alcohol is preferably an alkanol of 1 to 6 carbon atoms such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol or tert-butanol.

The ketalization agent is preferably an alkanol of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkylene glycol with 2 to 4 carbon atoms such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. The reaction is carried out in the presence of an acidic catalyst. The ketalization can also be effected by an exchange reaction with a dioxolane in the presence of an acidic catalyst. The dioxolane may be, for example, 2-rnethyl-2- ethyl-dioxolane, 2-methyl-Z-phenyl-dioxolane, Z-methyl- I 4-(4'-methylbenzyl)-dioxolane, 2,2-dimethyl-4-(4'-rnethylbenzyl)-dioxo1ane, 2-chloro-methyl-dioxolane, 2/3- chloroethyl-dioxolane, or 2-methyl-2-isopropenyl-dioxolane. The acidic catalyst is preferably a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid, perchloric acid or sulfuric acid, a sulfonic acid such as para-toluene sulfonic acid or also boron trifiuoride.

The oxidation of the 17fi-hydroxyl compounds to 176- ketone compounds is carried out with an oxidation agent in a neutral or basic medium in order to avoid cleavage of the protective group of the 3-ketone (ketal or enol ether). The oxidation agent is preferably a metal derivative as oxidizing agent (particularly a metal oxide), or as a catalyst (Oppenauer Reaction). The oxidation reaction is preferably effected by the Oppenauer method, consisting in oxidizing with a ketone in the presence of an aluminum alcoholate. The ketone is preferaby a lower aliphatic ketone such as acetone, methylethyl ketone, methylisobutyl ketone or a cycloalkanone such as cyclohexanone. The aluminum alcoholate is preferably an aluminum trialkanolate derived from a lower alkanol such as aluminum isopropylate or tert-butylate. The oxidation reaction may also be effected with a metal oxide, preferably chromic anhydride in pyridine.

The introduction of a hydrocarbon substituent into the Hot-position is effected with the aid of an organometallic reagent where the organo is R as defined above. Preferably, either organomagnesium halides of the formula R MgX where X is a halogen atom, and particularly a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, or alkali metal derivatives of the formula R M, where M is an alkali metal atom and particularly a lithium, sodium or potassium atom are used. The organometallic reagents are generally pre' pared just before use.

The hydrolysis of the ketals or the enol ethers leading to the regeneration of the ketone in the 3-position is effected with an acid able to effect at the same time as the hydrolysis, isomerization of the double bond A to A. Preferably, a mineral acid is used such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid or perchloric acid in an aqueous medium or a carboxylic acid such as acetic acid, formic acid, citric acid or trichloroacetic acid in an aqueous medium or a mixture of these acids.

The functional derivatives of the organic carboxylic acids of the formula R OH wherein R is an acyl radical defined as above are the anhyrides or the acid chlorides.

The novel antiandrogenic and antiestrogenic compositions of the invention are comprised of an anti-hormonal effective amount of a compound of Formula I or its enol ester and a pharmaceutical carrier. The compositions may be in the form of injectable solutions or suspensions in ampules or multi-dose fiacons or in the form of implants, tablets, coated tablets, sublingual tablets, capsules, suppositories, ointments, creams or lotions made in the usual manner.

The compositions have the advantage that the etherification in the ll-position of the active-ingredient causes the disappearance of androgenic and anabolic activities characteristics of l9-nor-testosterone compounds and the disappearance of estrogenic activities characteristics of gonadienic and A -gonatrienic compounds and causes the appearance of antihormonal properties. The said compounds have a total lack of peripheral hormonal properties which cause disturbing side effects in therapeutics such as vascular troubles, weight gains, bleeding, chloasma and loss of hair.

The compositions are useful as medicants for the treatment of prostatic adenoma, hyperandrogenia, acne, hirsutism and also treatment of troubles caused by hyperestogenism. They are also useful for resting ovaries by blocking ovulation for example in the treatment of sterility, dysmenorrheas or ovarian dystrophies.

The compositions may also contain other active pharmaceutical compounds such as estrogens like ethynyl estradiol, mestranol or llfl-methoxy-l7a-ethynyl-estradiol. These compositions associated with estrogens are useful estroprogestative formulations for contraceptive activity.

The novel method of the invention for inducing antihormonal activity in warm-blooded. animals comprises administering to warm-blooded animals an effective amount of at least one compound of Formula I or its enol esters. The said compounds may be administered orally, perlingually, transcutaneously, rectally or topically. The usual useful dose is 0.008 to 0.83 mg./-kg. depending on the method of administration and the specific compound.

In the following examples there are described several preferred embodiments to illustrate the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments.

7 EXAMPLE I Preparation of 1lfl-methoxy-l7a-ethyny1-A -estrene-17B- ol3-one Step A: 3,1lfi-dimethoxy-A -estradiene-17 3-01 10 gm. of 3,11/8-dimethoxy-A -estratriene-17fi-ol, 72 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and 3.6 ml. of ethanol were cooled to 40 C., and 92 ml. of liquid ammonia were added thereto with agitation. Then 1.6 gm. of lithium was added and the reaction mixture was agitated for two hours between -35 C. and 40 C. under an inert atmosphere. The mixture was again brought to -40 C., and after 26 ml. of ethanol were added, ammonia was evaporated by heating. 110 ml. of water were added without surpassing +15 C. and the mixture was poured into iced Water, agitated for one hour at +5 C., and vacuum filtered. The precipitate was washed with water and dried in vacuo to obtain 10 gm. of 3,1lfi-dimethoxy-A estradiene-17fl-ol as colorless crystals melting at 189 C. and soluble in ethanol and benzene, and insoluble in water.

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

Step B: 1lfl-methoxy-Mestrene-17,9-ol-3-one 10 gm. of 3,11/8-dimethoxy-A -estradiene-175-01 were refluxed for one hour with agitation and under nitrogen with 100 m1. of methanol and 10 ml. of N hydrochloric acid and after the solution was brought to room temperature, the mixture was poured into iced water. The mixture was extracted with methylene chloride, and the methylene chloride phase was washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness is vacuo. The residue was left overnight at C. in the presence of some ether and dried to obtain 9.9 gm. of 1lfl-methoxy-A -estrene-17flol-3-one. The product was purified by crystallization from isopropyl ether to obtain 6.42 gm. of the desired product in the form of colorless needles soluble in ethanol and benzene, and insoluble in water. The product melted first at 114 C., then 120 C. and had a specific rotation [a] =+82 (c.=0.6% in dioxaue).

Analysis: C H O molecular weight=304.41. Calculated (percent): C, 74.96; H, 9.27. Found (percent): C, 74.8; H, 9.0.

U.V. Spectrum (ethanol): Max. at 242-243 ml -As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

Step C: 3,3-ethylenedioxy-115-methoxy-A estrene-17 8-ol 15 gm. of 1lfl-methoxy-A -estrene-17/3-ol-3-one were dissolved at reflux with agitation in 400 ml. of benzene containing 80 mg. of para-toluene sulfonic acid and 80 ml. of ethylene glycol and the reflux was maintained for seven hours. The mixture was brought to room temperature and 100 ml. of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate were added. The organic phase was decanted, and the aqueous phase was extracted with benzene. The combined benzene phases were washed with water until the wash water was neutral and after a drop of triethylamine was added, the solution was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in 50 ml. of benzene, and then precipitated by the addition of isopropyl ether containing 1% of triethylamine. The precipitate was recovered by vacuum filtration, was washed with isopropyl ether containing 1% of triethylamine and dried in vacuo to obtain 13.10 gm. of 3,3-ethylenedioxy 11/3 methoxy-A estrene-17fl-ol as a colorless solid product soluble in acetone and ethyl acetate, slightly soluble in benzene and 8 ether, and insoluble in water. The product melted at 104- 106 C.

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

Evaporation of the mother liquor gave a second crop of 4.5 gm. of compound constituted of a mixture of the preceding compound and the corresponding A -isomer or 17.6 gm. total product which was utilized as is in the following step.

As far as is known, the A -isomer has not been de scribed in the literature.

Step D; 3,3-ethylenedioxy-l1fi-methoxy-A estrene-l7-one 17.7 gm. of the product obtained in Step C were dissolved in 500 ml. of toluene and 200 ml. of cyclohexanone at reflux under an inert atmosphere and after ml. of the solvent were distilled off, 400 ml. of a toluene solution of 2.28 gm. of aluminum isopropylate per 100 ml. were added over 15 minutes While maintaining a constant level of the solvent by distillation and the reflux. A solution of 100 gm. of potassium sodium ta'rtrate in 1000 ml. of water were added while still maintaining the constant level of the solvent and the solution was cooled to room temperature, and then extracted with benzene. The benzene phases were washed With water until the wash water was neutral and then one drop of triethylamine was added. The solution was dried over sodium sulfate and then was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica and eluted with a 8:2 benzene-ethyl acetate mixture with 1% of triethylamine to obtain 3.56 gm. of 3,3-ethylenedioxy-11,8-methoxy-A -estrene-17-one melting at first 118 C., then -140" C. The product occurred as a colorless solid product soluble in alcohol, acetone, benzene and chloroform, slightly soluble in ether and insoluble in water.

The compound was accompanied by 6.44 gm. of 3,3- ethylenedioxy-llfl-methoxy-A -estrene-17-one melting at 128 C.

The mixture of the two compounds was used as is in the following step.

As far as is known, these compounds have not been described in the literature.

Step E: 3,3-ethylenedioxy-11,8-methoxy-17a-ethynyl- A -estrene-17B-ol Into 250 ml. of a toluene solution of 2.76 gm. of sodium tert-amylate per 100 ml., a stream of acetylene was passed for two hours with agitation and then 40 m1. of toluene were added thereto. 10 gm. of the mixture of 3,3- ethylenedioxy-l1-;8-methoxy-A -estrene 17 one and 3,3-ethylenedioxy-11/8-methoxy-A -estrene-l7-one of Step D and 25 ml. of tetrahydrofuran were added to the mixture and the passage of the acetylene stream was maintained for five hours. The reaction mixture was swept with an inert atmosphere and cooled to +10 C. A solution of 25 gm. of ammonium chloride in ml. of water was added, and the mixture Was agitated for 15 minutes. The organic phase was decanted, and the aqueous phase was extracted with toluene. The combined toluene phases were washed with water until the wash water was neutral, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to obtain 9.47 gm. of a mixture of 3,3-ethylenedioxy-l lfl-methoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estrene-17B 01 and 3,3-ethylenedioxy-11B-methoxy-l7a-cthynyl A estrene- 17/3-01.

Step F: 1lfl-methoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estrene-17,3-ol-3-one The mixture of the two compounds obtained in Step E with a solution of 180 ml. of acetic acid, 6 ml. of hydrochloric acid and 14 ml. of water was stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere for 1 /2 hours and the reaction mixture was poured into a water-ice mixture. The reaction mixture was agitated for 2 hours and then was vacuum filtered. The precipitate was washed with water and dried in vacuo to obtain 5.91 gm. of crude llB-methoxy-l7aethynyl-A -estrene-17B-ol-3-one. By making the mother liquor alkaline, a second crop of 1.3 gm. of product were obtained for a total of 7.21 gm. The 7.21 gm. of product were chromatographed over silica, and eluted with a 5--5 benzene-ethyl acetate mixture. 6.6 gm. of product were impasted with refluxing benzene and then was allowed to crystallize for 2 hours at 15 C. The mixture was vacuum filtered, and the recovered precipitate was washed with benzene and dried in vacuo to obtain 5.2 gm. of llfi methoxy-l7ot-ethynyl-A -estrene-17fi-ol-3-one melting at 212213 C. The product occurred as a colorless solid product soluble in alcohol, acetone, benzene and chloroform, slightly soluble in ether and insoluble in water.

For analysis, the compound was crystallized from ethyl acetate and the melting point remained the same.

Analysis: C H O molecular weight=328.44. Calculated (percent): C, 76.79; H, 8.59. Found (percent): C, 77.0; H, 8.6.

UV. Spectrum (ethanol): Max. at 242-243 m As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

The starting 3,11B-dimethoxy-A -estratriene-flfi- 01 and the other 11alkoxy-I3,8-alkyl-A -gonatrienes were obtained by the processes described in Belgian Pat. No. 699,393 or Belgian Pat. No. 699,394.

EXAMPLE II A mixture of 20 ml. of benzene, 90 mg. of paratoluene sulfonic acid and 1.8 ml. of butyric anhydride was heated and 2 ml. of benzene were distilled off. The mixture was brought back to room temperature, and 1 gm. of 1lfi-methoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estrene-17fi-o1-3-one was added. The reaction mixture was agitated for 17 hours under nitrogen, and cooled to between C. and +5 C. 1.8 ml. of triethylamine were added, then 1.8 ml. of methanol, followed by agitation for minutes. The mixture was poured into Water and was extracted with ether. The ether phases were washed with water, then several times with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate until the pH of the wash water was neutral. The solution was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica and elution with a 7:3 benzene-ethyl acetate mixture to obtain 710 mg. of llfl-methoxy-lh-ethynyl- 17B-butyryloxy-A -estrene-3-one in the form of a colorless solid product soluble in alcohols, ether, chloroform and benzene, and insoluble in water.

U.V. Spectrum (ethanol): Max. at 241 m El? ,=402; e 16, 000

LR. Spectrum (chloroform): Presence of CEC, ester, CO'-C and conjugated ketone.

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

The chromatography also isolated a second product whose U.V. and LR. spectral analysis showed that it was the 3-enolic ester of the said product or 3,17,8-dibutyryloxy-l lfi-methoxy-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene.

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

EXAMPLE III Preparation of 11,8-ethoxy-l7a-ethynyl-A -estrenel7fl-ol-3-one Step A: 3-methoxy-1lfi-ethoxy-A estradiene-l7fi-ol 320 ml. of ammonia were cooled to -70 C. and 8 gm. of 3-methoxy-1lfl-ethoxy-A -estratriene-17fl-ol (obtained by the process of the French Pat. No. 1514122), 160 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and ml. of tert-butyl alcohol were added at 33 C. with stirring. Finally, 13.5 gm. of sodium were added, and the mixture was agitated for 1% hours at -33 C. and again 1.5 gm. of sodium were added. The ammonia was removed with a stream of nitrogen, and the residue was cooled to -30 C. 500 ml. of water were added and the mixture was vacuum filtered. The recovered precipitate was washed with water to obtain 6.8 gm. of 3-methoxy-1lp-ethoxy-A -estradiene-17fi-ol which was used as is in the next step. The compound was a colorless solid product melting at 130 C.

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

Step B: 3,3-ethylenedioxy-1lfl ethoxy-A estreue-17/3-ol The 6.8 gm. of 3-methoxy-11/8-ethoxy-A -estradiene-17/3-ol obtained in Step A were dissolved in 108 ml. of methylethyldioxolane with 2% of glycol, and 136 mg. of para-toluene sulfonic acid were added thereto. The solution was allowed to stand for 60 hours at room temperature, and then was poured into water. The mixture was extracted with methylene chloride, and the organic phases were dried over sodium sulfate and distilled to dryness in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed over silica and eluted with a 6:4 benzene-ethyl acetate mixture containing 1% of triethylamine. The residue was dissolved in 5 ml. of ether, and the solution was filtered, and concentrated to half its volume. 3 ml. of isopropyl ether were added, and the solution was concentrated to the start of crystallization, ice-cooled for one hour, and vacuum filtered. The recovered precipitate was washed with ice-cold isopropyl ether and dried to obtain 2.65 gm. of 3,3-ethylenedioxy-l1B-ethoxy-A -estrene- 1713-01 in the form of a colorless solid product soluble in chloroform and benzene, and insoluble in water, and melting at 128 C.

IR. Spectrum (chloroform): Absence of carbonyl, presence of -OH and ketal.

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

Step C: 3,3-ethylenedioxy-1lfi-ethoXy-A estrene-17-one A mixture of 2.6 gm. of 3,3-ethylenedioxy-1lfl-ethoxy- A -estrene-17fi-ol, 73 ml. of toluene and 30 ml. of cyclohexanone was heated, and 15 ml. of solvent was dis tilled off. 58 ml. of a solution of 2.28 gm. of aluminum isopropylate in 100 ml. of toluene were added thereto While distilling to maintain a constant volume 100 ml. of toluene were added while maintaining a constant volume, and the solution was refluxed, with agitation, for 1 /2 hours. The mixture was cooled to 20 C. and the solution was vacuum filtered. The filter was washed with methylene chloride and the organic phase was concentrated in vacuo. The obtained oil was subjected to a steam distillation for 4 hours, and the oily residue was extracted with benzene. The benzene phase was washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and distill-ed to dryness in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in 4 ml. of methylene chloride, and after the solution was concentrated to half its volume, 4 ml. of isopropyl ether were added. The solution was concentrated to the start of crystallization, ice-cooled for one hour, and vacuum filtered. The recovered precipitate was dried to obtain 1.365 gm. of 3,3-ethylenedioxy-l118- ethoxy-A -estrene-17-one melting at 130 C. The product occurred as a colorless solid product soluble in chloroform, benzene and alcohols, and insoluble in water.

Further crystallization from the mother liquor gave 1.36 gm. of product melting at C. which was purified by chromatography on silica and elution with a 9:1 benzene-ethyl acetate mixture containing 1% of triethylamine.

Analysis: C H molecular weight=360.48. Calculated (percent): C, 73.29; H, 8.94. Found (percent): C, 73.3; H, 9.2.

I.R. Spectrum (chloroform): Absence of OH, presence of cyclopentanone and ketal.

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

Step D: 3,3-ethylenedioxy-11B-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl- A -estrene-17;3-ol

A mixture of 83 ml. of tetrahydrofuran, 38 ml. of hexamethyl phosphoro triamide and 4.72 gm. of potassium tert-butylate was cooled to 0 C. and a stream of acetylene was passed therethrough for 1 hours. A solution of 3.37 gm. of 3,3-ethylenedioxy-11p-ethoxy-A -estrene-17-one in 5 ml. of tetrahydrofuran was added and the mixture was agitated for 1 /2 hours at 0 C. while continuing the bubbling of acetylene. Excess acetylene was removed by a stream of nitrogen and the suspension was poured into 500 ml. of an aqueous saturated solution of ammonium chloride. The mixture was extracted with ether, and the ether phases were washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and distilled to dryness in vacuo to obtain 3.74 gm. of 3,3 ethylenedioxy-llp-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl-A estrene-17fi-ol which were used as in the following step.

I.R. Spectrum (chloroform): Absence of C=O, presence of OH, -CECH and ketal.

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

Step E: 11fi-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estrene-17fl-ol-3-one 3.7 gm. of 3,3-ethylenedioxy-l1fi-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl- A -estrene-17B-ol dissolved in 61.2 ml. of acetic acid, 2.04 ml. of hydrochloric acid and 4.76 ml. of water were agitated for 1 /2 hours at room temperature and the solution was poured into a water-ice mixture. The mixture was agitated for 2 hours, and the precipitate was recovered by vacuum filtration, was washed with water and dried to obtain 2 gm. of crude product melting at 160 C. By making the mother liquor alkaline, a second crop of 100 mg. of product melting at 166 C. was obtained.

The two combined crops were dissolved in 4 ml. of methylene chloride, and the solution 'was chromatographed on magnesium silicate and eluted with methylene chloride. The obtained solution was concentrated in vacuo to 2 ml. and ml. of isopropyl ether were added thereto. The mixture was concentrated by heating in vacuo, icecooled for one hour, and vacuum filtered. The recovered precipitate was Washed with iced isopropyl ether and dried to obtain 1.6 gm. of pale yellow crystals melting at 173 C. The crystals were dissolved in 3 ml. of hot methanol containing of water. The solution was ice-cooled for 1 hour and vacuum filtered to obtain two crops for a total of 1.116 gm. of 11/3-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estrene-17fiol-3-one melting at 174 C. The product occurred as colorless solid product soluble in chloroform, benzene and alcohols, and insoluble in water. By continuing ice-cooling of the methanol solution, a third crop of 231 mg. of product melting at 170 C., was obtained. The mother liquors were passed over silica together with the third crop, and eluted with 5:5 benzene-ethyl acetate mixture. The precipitate was crystallized from iced isopropyl ether to obtain 271 mg. of the product melting at 174 C.

Analysis: C H O molecular weight=342.46. Calculated (percent): C, 77.1; H, 8.8. Found (percent): C, 76.8; H, 8.9.

I.R. Spectrum (chloroform): Presence of OH at 3595 of CECH at 3300 of conjugated ketone at 1662 and of C=C at 16l9 U.V. Spectrum (ethanol): Max. at 243 my.

i?m.= 484; e 16, 000

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

1 2 EXAMPLE IV Preparation of 1 1 fl-methoxy-l 3p-ethyl-17ot-vinyl-A gonene-17B-ol-3-one Step A: 1lfl-methoxy-13fi-ethyl-A -gonadiene- 3,17-dione 8.967 gm. of 13p ethyl-A -gonadiene-lIdol-3,17- dione (obtained by the process of French Pat. No. 1514088) were dissolved in 448 ml. of methylene chloride containing 1% methanol, and 0.88 ml. of 70% perchloric acid was added thereto. The mixture was agitated for 10 minutes and then was poured into a mixture of equal parts of Water and a saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic phases were washed with an aqueous saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate, then with water, and dried over sodium sulfate, vacuum filtered and distilled to dryness in vacuo to obtain 9.628 gm. of 11pmethoxy-13fi-ethyl-A -gonadiene-3,17-dione which was used as is in the next step.

For analysis the compound was crystallized from isopropyl ether and it occurred as colorless crystals soluble in benzene, ethanol and chloroform and insoluble in water, and melting at 115 C. and having a specific rotation [ot] =-21.5 $2.5 (c.=0.3% in ethanol).

Analysis: C H O molecular weight=314.41. Calculated (percent): C, 76.40; H, 8.34. Found (percent): C, 76.4; H, 8.2.

U.V. Spectrum (ethanol):

max. at 236 III/.0

E1',m,=147 max. at 292 m E}? =639; 6 =20, As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

A solution of 9.088 gm. of 1lfi-methoxy-13B-ethyl-A gonadiene-3,17-dione dissolved in 475 ml. of methanol and 5.63 gm. of 13.6% palladium hydroxide on magnesia was refluxed for 2 /2 hours with agitation under nitrogen and the solution was vacuum filtered. The filter was washed with boiling acetone and the filtrate was distilled to dryness in vacuo. The residue was taken up in 30 volumes of refluxing methanol and the solution was concentrated to 10 volumes, cooled, ice-cooled for 3 hours, and vacuum filtered. The recovered precipitate was washed with iced methanol and dried to obtain 5.319 gm. of methoxyl3,8-ethyl-A -gonatriene-3-ol-17-one melting at 226 C. For analysis, the compound was purified by a second crystallization and the melting point remained unchanged.

The compound occurred as colorless crystals soluble in benzene, chloroform and ethanol, slightly soluble in methanol and insoluble in water. The product melted at 226 C. and its specific rotation was [a] =+129 i3 (c.=0.45%, in ethanol).

Analysis: C H O molecular weight=314.4l. Calculated (percent): C, 76.40; H, 8.34. Found (percent): C, 76.2; H, 8.3.

U.V. Spectrum (ethanol): infi. towards 220 m infi. towards 228 mp.

El."m.= 77

, LR. Spectrum (chloroform): Presence of aromatic at 1611 and 1587 of -OH at 3588 of cyclopentanone and of -CO-C--.

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature. I

10.65 gm. of potassium tert-butylate were dissolved in 213 ml. of tetrahydrofuran with agitation and under an inert atmosphere and a stream of acetylene was passed into the solution for 15 to 20 minutes. 27 ml. of hexamethylphosphorotriamide were then added and bubbling of acetylene was continued for 15 minutes. 5.093 gm. of 1lfl-meth0Xy-13 3-ethyl-A -gonatriene-3-ol 17 one were added, and the mixture was agitated under nitrogen while passing acetylene therethrough for 1 hour and 20 minutes. The mixture was cooled to between +5 C. and C. and a solution of 6.35 ml. of acetic acid and 77.5 ml. of water was added. The mixture was agitated for 5 minutes, and the tetrahydrofuran was evaporated in vacuo. 8 ml. of water were added, and the mixture was vacuum filtered. The precipitate was washed with water and dried in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in 100 volumes of refluxing ethanol and the solution was concentrated and then iced, and vacuum filtered. The recovered precipitate was washed with iced ethanol and dried in vacuo to obtain 3.8 gm. of llfl-methoxy-l3 8-ethyl-17w ethynyl-A -gonatriene-3,17B-diol melting at 305 C.

For analysis, the product was crystallized from methanol and the melting point remained the same. The compound occurred as colorless crystals slightly soluble in alcohols, and insoluble in water, and melted at 305 C The l1 8methoxy 13/3 ethyl-17a-ethynyl-A gonatriene-3,l7,3-dio1 was reacted with dimethyl sulfate to obtain 3,1IB-dimethoxy-l3B-ethyl-l7a-ethynyl-A gonatriene-1718-ol which was treated with lithium in liquid ammonia to form the corresponding 17,2l-dilithium derivative. The latter compound was then subjected to the Birch reduction with lithium and ethanol followed by acid hydrolysis to form 1lp-methoxy-l35-ethyl-17a-vinyl-A gonene-17B-ol-3-one.

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

EXAMPLE V Preparation of 1lB-methoxy-l3 3-ethyl-17a-ethynyl- A -gonene-17B-ol-3-one 115 methoxy 13B ethyl-A -gonatriene-3-ol-l7- one of Step B of Example IV was reduced to form 11,8- methoxy-l3/3-ethy1-A -estratriene-3,17 3 diol which was methylated to obtain 3,1lfi-dimethoxy-lBfi-ethyl- A -gonatriene-1719-01. Using the procedure of Example I, the said product was subjected to the Birch reduction to form 3,1IB-dimethoxy-l3 48-ethyl-A -gonadiene-17/3-ol followed by acid hydrolysis to obtain 11,8-methoxy-l3B-ethyl-A -gonene-l7B-ol-3-one. The latter product was treated with ethylene glycol to obtain a mixture of 3,3 ethylenedioxy 11 3 methoxy- 13;8-ethyl-A gonene-17B-ol and 3,3-ethylenedioxy-1IB-methoxy-ISB- ethyl-A -gonene-17/3-01 which was then oxidized to form a mixture 3,3-ethylenedioxy-1lfi-methoxy-13 8-ethyl-A gonene-17-one and its A -isomer. The latter was then ethynylated to form a mixture of 3,3-ethylenedioxy-11f. methoxy-lSfl ethyl-17u-ethynyl-A -gonene-1718-01 and its A isomer which was acid hydrolyzed to form 115- methoxy- 1 3,8-ethyl-17a-ethynyl-A -gonene-1 75-01-3 -one.

As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY (A) Antigonadotrophic activity Antigonadotrophic activity was determined in pubescent rats weighing about 200 gm. and llfi-methoxy-lh-ethynyl-A -estrene-17B-o1-3-one in an olive oil solution containing 5% benzyl alcohol was administered subcutane- WD :211 ously in a volume of 0.2 ml. at the rate of 12 treatments m 14 days. On the 15th day, the rats were sacrificed by a fitowards 222 l carotoid cut and the seminal vesicles, the prostate, the E :203 testicles and suprarenals were removed and weighed. The

1 obtained results are summarized in. Table I.

TABLE I Daily Seminal dose, 'Iestieles vesicles Prostate Suprarenal Lot mg. mg. in mg. in mg. in mg. Control 0 2, 950 740 360 43. 6 l1Binwthoxy-17a-ethynyl-M-estrene-l7B- 2 oone 0. 2,620 314 (-587) 240 (-33 7) 41.1 1 2, (no (-30%) 128 (-8272) 97 (-73%) 40.7 5 1,400 (-53%) 124 (-83%) 87 (-76%) 28.1 (-36%) infl. towards 229 mp ltm.=l5

max. at 281 m 1IB-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estrene 17,8 ol-3-one was tested under the same conditions in a sesame oil solution containing 5% of benzyl alcohol and the results are shown in Table II.

TABLE II Daily Seminal dose, Testicles vesicles Prostate Suprarenal Lot mg. in mg. in mg. in mg. in mg. Control 0 3, 300 1, 078. 2 557. 8 49. 4 11 3-ethoxy-l7a-ethynyl -estrene-l- As far as is known, this compound has not been described in the literature.

The tables show that the said products have an antigonadotrophic activity with a clear anti-L'H predominance starting from a daily dose of 200 and that they do no cause a suprarenal aplasia at this dose.

y (B) Antiestrogenic activity Antiestrogenic activity was investigated in immature mice by a technique suggested by Rubin [Endo. 1951, vol. 49, pg. 429] and similar to that of Dorfman et al. [Methods in Hormone Research, Dorfman, 1962, vol. II, pg. 118]. 19 to 21 days old mice received daily, in a subcutaneous injection or orally for 3 days, either estradiol alone, or the test product alone, or estradiol and the test product. In the last case, the two steroids were injected at dilferent points. The mice were sacrificed on the 4th day and their uterus was removed and weighed. 'Estradiol in an olive oil solution with 5% benzyl alcohol added was injected at a total dose of 0.27 and each injection was given in a volume of 0.1 ml./mouse. llfi-methoxy-lhethynyl-A -estrene-17fi-0l-3-one was used in an olive oil solution containing 5% benzyl alcohol and was administered in total doses of 1.1-3.3 and and the injections were also given in a volume of 0.1 mL/mouse.

The results are summarized in Table HI.

TABLE IIL-SUBCUTANEOUSLY Average weight of Dose, the uterus Lot gamma mg.

9. 4 0. 27 76. 2 1. 1 9. 6 1. 1 44 Estradinl a 27 M4299 Test product 3. 3 10. 6 Teslt product 3. 3

us E radinl t A +0, 27 30 2( 60%) Test product 10 13. 4 Teslt product- 10 p us 27. 7 --64 EstradloL; +0. 27 i In a second test, the test product was administered at doses of 0.371.1 and 3.3 under the same test conditions. The results are summarized in Table IV.

TABLE IV Average weight 0! Dose, the uterus Lot gamma in mg.

Control 0 10.3 Estradinl 0. 27 69. 8 Test product.-. 0. 37 9. 2 Teslt product 0. 37

us E rndln'l +0, 27 i 61 u 12%) Test product 1. 1 9. 6 Teslt Product 1.1

us Eimdlnl +0. 27 39 7( 47%) Test product 3. 3 12. 7 Teslt product 3. 3

us E radinl +0.21 32 54%) The test product was administered orally at doses of 3.310 and 30 under the same test conditions and the results are reported in Table V.

TABLE V Average weight 0! Dose. the uterus Lot gamma mg.

Control 0 9.4 Estradlnl 0. 27 76. 2 Test product 3. 3 10. 1 Teslt product 3. 3

us Es imdinl +0, 27 41 96-45%) Test product 10 14. 1 Teslt product 10 us Fqtmdtnl +0, 27 39 0( 48%) Test product 30 18. 9 Teslt product 30 5 7 6 us E'Btmrllnl +0 27 8%) 16 In a second test, the test product was orally administered at doses of 0.37l.1 and 3.37 and the results are shown in Table VI.

TABLE VI Average weight 0! Dose, the uterus Lot gamma in mg.

Control 0 10. 3 Estrarllnl O. 27 69. 8 Test product 0. 37 7. 5 Test product 0. 37

p us 49. 5(--29%) Estrmllnl +0. 27 Test product 1. 1 10. 3 Test product 1. 1

us 50. 8(27%) Estradlnl +0. 27 Test product 3. 8 10. 5 Teslt product 3.3 43 4( 38 7) us F' mdlnl +0. 27 0 11B ethoxy 17a-ethynyl-A -estrene-17 3-ol-3-one was tested under the same conditions and was used in a sesame oil solution administered subcutaneously. The results of Table VII were obtained:

TABLE VII Average weight 0! Dose, the uterus am a in mg:

0 8. 7 0.27 70. 4 Test produc 1.1 13.0 Test product. 1. 1

plus 30.5 (-56%) Eqtradin'l +0. 27 Test product 3. 3 13. 0 Test product 3. 3

lus 26. 1 (-63%) Fstrmlinl +0. 27 Test product 10 18. 2 Test product 10 6 787) us E mdlnl +0. 27

11p methoxy 17a-ethynyl-17p-butyryloxy-A -estrene- 3-one was tested under the same conditions, and was administered subcutaneously in a sesame oil solution in doses of 10, and 810 The results of Table VIII were obtained:

TABLE VIII Average weight of These results show that the 3 products possess a clear antiestrogeuic activity towards estradiol and particularly that 11 fl-methoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estrene-17 8-ol-3-one and 1lfl-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estrene-17 3-ol-3-one are active both subcutaneously and orally starting at a dose of 1.17.

(C) Progestomimetic activity 17 18 TABLE Ix atoms, R,' is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and acyl or an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 18 carggfg fiig bon atoms and Y and Y are hydrogen.

2. A compound of claim 1 which is llfl-methoxy-lh- Test pmduct 5 ethyny1-A -estrene-17 fl-ol-3-one.

3. A compound of claim 1 which is llp-ethoxy-l'h- The test product thus possesses a distinct progesto- Y Y 1 mimetic activity at a daily dose of 250 A p of dam! 1 which is fi' y' fl 11 fl-ethoxy 17o: ethynylA -estrene-17 8-ol-3-one in a ethyl-l y y s q 3- sesame oil solution, containing 5% of benzyl alcohol was 10 A compound of clalm 1 which is fi' y' orally administered to obtain the results of Table X. y 5' y y y f- TABLE X 6. A compound of claim 1 which is llp-methoxy-lllfl- I M cPhan etlayl-Ahwmyl-AQ-gofnene-lip-($311M? 17 d b I y a compoun ocaim wic is -iuty oxdosa 7 11 3-methoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene. p ry y Test product 2 8. A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula The results show that the test product is endowed with a considerable progestomimetic activity at the dose of R on 5007- 20 X --on=om (-D) Exogenous antiandrogenic activity- The exogenous antiandrogenic activity was determined against testosterone propionate in castrated male rats by the method of Lerner described by Dorfman in Methods in Hormone Research, vol. II, page 320. Young male rats, about 4 weeks old, were castrated and the treatment started on the day after castration and lasted 7 days.

On the 8th day, the animals were sacrificed and the following organs removed: prostate, seminal vesicles and wherein X and R are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and levator ani. 11fi-methoxy:17a-ethynyl-A -estrene-l'lfi-ol-3- Y and are hydrogen comprising reacting a compound one and testosterone propionate in olive O11 contarmng 5% of the f l benzyl alcohol were administered separately subcutaneously with the test product at the dose of 1 mg. and R on testosterone propionate at the 'dose of 50 (daily doses x per rat). A control group received the solvent only, a 0 03 group of rats received subcutaneously 507 of testosterone propionate, a group of rats received subcutaneously 1 mg. of the test product and a group of rats received subcutaneously 1 mg. of the test product and subcutaneously 507 Y0 --Y' of testosterone propionate. The following table summarizes the results. Y

TABLE XI Seminal Dally Fresh levator vesicles Prostate Lot dose out in mg. in mg. in mg.

Control 19. 5 6. 4 9, 8 Testosterone propionate- 35. 2 56. 7 77. 5 Test product 1 mg. 20. 6 15. 4 11. 1 Test product, testosterone proplonete ling-+507 28.9(1 42.8(-25%) 51.5(34%) The results shows that 11 B-methoxy-17a-ethynyl-A wherein Y" is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms with an alkali estrene-l7fl-ol-3-one possesses a considerable antiandrometal amide to form a compound of the formula genie activity at a dose of 1 mg.

Various modifications of the compositions and methods of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof and it is to be understood that the invention is to be limited only as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1-. A compound selected from the group consisting of llfi-alkoxy-M-gonenes of the formula YUO R1 wherein R and X are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R is a wherein M is alkali metal and reducing the latter with an alkali metal in ammonia in the presence of an alcohol saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon of 1 to 6 carbon followed by acid hydrolysis.

= 9. A compound of the formula wherein X and R are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Y and '20 Y are hydrogen, K is a ketal and Z is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon of 1- to '6 carbon atoms and mixtures of said isomers.

11. A compound of the formula wherein X and R are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and Y and Y are hydrogren.

V 5 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,551,459 12/1970 Hughes et al. 260239.55 C 2,991,295 7/1961 Magerlein et al. 260397.5 3,519,654 7/1970 Bertin et a1 260-349 ELBERT L. ROBERTS, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

